National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Overview

Discover the objectives and impact of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in India.
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3 min
17-September-2024

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) stands as a pivotal initiative in India's healthcare landscape, aiming to address the health needs of rural populations across the country. Launched in April 2005 by the Government of India, the NRHM seeks to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to rural communities, thereby bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare infrastructure. In this article, we will discuss in detail the benefits, objectives, coverage, eligibility and more about NRHM, and also the significance of health insurance for all.

National Rural Health Mission: An overview

The NRHM was designed to provide accessible, affordable, accountable, effective, and reliable primary health care services, particularly to the most vulnerable sections of society. The program has two sub-missions, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), which together constitute the National Health Mission (NHM).

NRHM Full Form

National Rural Health Mission

Initiated By

Government of India

Launch Date

April 2005

Objective

To improve healthcare in rural areas

Focus areas

Maternal and child health, sanitation, disease control, etc.

Budget allocation

Varies annually

Implementing agency

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

 

What is the National Rural Health Mission?

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is a flagship program launched by the Government of India to address the healthcare needs of rural populations. It aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to rural communities, with a focus on maternal and child health, sanitation, disease control, and other essential healthcare interventions.

Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), special attention has been directed towards the Empowered Action Group (EAG) States, along with the North Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. The primary goal of the mission is to establish a comprehensive, community-driven, decentralised healthcare system, with a focus on integrating various sectors at all tiers. This integration aims to enable simultaneous efforts addressing numerous health determinants including water, sanitation, education, nutrition, and social as well as gender equality.

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Objectives of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

The NRHM has several key objectives:

  • Reduce maternal and infant mortality: By improving access to maternal and child healthcare services and promoting institutional deliveries.
  • Universal immunization: Ensure the availability and accessibility of immunization services to all children.
  • Control of communicable diseases: Implement disease control programs to prevent and manage communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
  • Access to essential drugs: Ensure the availability and accessibility of essential drugs and medicines in rural areas.
  • Promotion of sanitation: Implement sanitation programs to improve hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Capacity building: Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and human resources in rural areas to deliver quality healthcare services.
  • Community participation: Involve communities in healthcare decision-making and implementation to improve healthcare delivery.

Features of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

Some of the salient features of the NRHM include:

  • Sub-Centers and Primary Health Centers (PHCs): Strengthening and upgrading sub-centers and PHCs to provide basic healthcare services to rural communities.
  • ASHA workers: Deployment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to promote healthcare awareness, facilitate access to health services, and link communities with the public health system.
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Incentivizing institutional deliveries through cash assistance to pregnant women, thus promoting safe motherhood.
  • Rogi Kalyan Samitis: Formation of Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) to mobilize community participation and resources for healthcare.
  • Mobile health units: Deployment of mobile health units to reach remote and underserved areas with healthcare services.
  • Incentives for health workers: Providing incentives and capacity-building support to healthcare workers to improve service delivery.
  • Emergency medical services: Strengthening emergency medical services and referral transport systems to ensure timely access to emergency care.

Benefits of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

The NRHM has brought forward several benefits such as:

  • Improved healthcare access: The NRHM has significantly improved access to healthcare services in rural areas, reducing the geographical barriers to healthcare.
  • Enhanced maternal and child health: Through programs like JSY and immunization drives, the NRHM has contributed to reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
  • Community participation: The involvement of communities in healthcare decision-making has empowered rural populations and led to better healthcare outcomes.
  • Better infrastructure: Upgradation of healthcare infrastructure, including PHCs and sub-centers, has enhanced the quality of healthcare services in rural areas.
  • Disease control: The NRHM has played a crucial role in controlling communicable diseases through disease surveillance, prevention, and management efforts.
  • Health education: ASHA workers and other community health workers have promoted health education and awareness, leading to healthier lifestyles and disease prevention.

Also, read: MJPJAY

Eligibility criteria for National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

The NRHM aims to provide healthcare services to all individuals residing in rural areas of India, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Eligibility for specific programs and benefits under the NRHM may vary based on criteria such as age, gender, and health status. However, the overarching goal of the NRHM is to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all rural residents.

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) stands as a landmark initiative in India's healthcare sector, aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of rural populations. With its comprehensive approach focusing on maternal and child health, disease control, sanitation, and community participation, the NRHM has significantly improved access to quality healthcare services in rural areas. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it remains crucial in achieving the goal of universal healthcare coverage and improving health outcomes for rural communities across India.

Frequently asked questions

What does NRHM stand for?

NRHM stands for National Rural Health Mission.

When was the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) launched?

The NRHM was launched by the Government of India in April 2005 with the goal of providing effective healthcare services to people in rural areas.

How does the NRHM benefit the rural population?

The NRHM has numerous benefits for the rural population. These include increased access to healthcare services in remote regions, significant improvements in health indices like maternal and child health, and community-led initiatives in health planning. Additionally, NRHM ensures greater accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in the delivery of health services.

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